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Although it is unlikely that you have studied psychology before, you will have gathered a great deal from your experience of everyday life. However, much of what we call everyday life is subject to commonsense knowledge that tends to be valuable but often unreliable and idiosyncratic.
Through the study of psychology it is possible to analyse our thoughts and behaviours more rigorously and scientifically. We, as people, are the subject matter of psychology, but you may find your view of human behaviour changing the more you study it.
As you will be expected to read fairly widely and also to write a number of assignments you will need to have at least a grade 'C' in English Language.
The specification for the psychology syllabus is modular and in two main sections. In Year 12 you will take the AS level modules and in Year 13 the A2 level modules. Together the two are equivalent to an A level but you can opt to finish the course at AS level if you wish.
This module looks at the major approaches in Psychology (Psychodynamic, Behaviourist, Cognitive, Biological) and discusses how these approaches are applied to everyday life.
This module looks at key pieces of research in Psychology and also involves students discussing how they would conduct a piece of Psychological research.
This module involves the student deciding upon an issue in Psychology that they would like to study and they have to design and run this study, following appropriate guidelines.
This module involves the students discussing controversial issues in Psychology, such as ethical issues and gender and cultural bias in research. They will also look at Relationships (why we form them and why they break down) and Memory (why we remember and why we forget). In the final section of the course students will apply their knowledge of Psychology to the popular application of Forensic Psychology.
The AS level modules will be assessed by examination, at the end of Year 12, one 1hr paper and one, 1½hr examination papers. If you are successful you can opt to have an AS level certificate at this point or you can carry your marks forward to A2 level. A2 is assessed through two examination papers totaling three hours and one piece of assessed coursework.
Many of you will go on to university, some to study psychology in greater depth and detail and some of you to specialise in other things. Whichever you choose, psychology is a good entry level subject to a wide variety of degree courses.
If you do specialise in psychology a number of career choices will open up for you, including clinical or occupational psychology, forensic psychology, social work, counselling and nursing.